Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami into Leagues Cup final as his remarkable scoring streak continues
- Philadelphia Union, normally formidable on home turf, crumble against the Argentine star’s new side, losing 4-1
- Miami will play Nashville SC in final on Saturday in Tennessee after Messi bags ninth goal in just six matches
Lionel Messi extended his remarkable goalscoring streak as Inter Miami powered into the final of the Leagues Cup with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union on Tuesday.
The Argentina superstar brought his tally to nine goals in six appearances for Miami in an entertaining semi-final at Philadelphia’s Subaru Park.
Venezuelan international Josef Martinez, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, and substitute David Ruiz scored Miami’s other goals, with Alejandro Bedoya the lone scorer for outgunned Philadelphia.
The result means Messi will now lead Miami into the 42nd final of his career on Saturday. The win also guarantees Miami a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup regional club tournament next season, potentially opening up a route into FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in 2025.
“Our goal was to qualify for international competition next season and we’ve done that tonight,” Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said.